Why Leaders Need Integrity

Living a life of integrity begins with valuing character over riches and power, recognizing that as God’s creation all people are on a level playing field, and foreseeing danger with humility and a healthy fear of the Lord. When we know who we are and to whom we belong (God), then we pay better attention to the leaking faucets. Proverbs provides wisdom for those of us who want to grow in awareness:

Choose a good reputation over great riches;
being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold.
The rich and poor have this in common:
The LORD made them both.
A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions.
The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.
True humility and fear of the LORD lead to riches, honor, and long life.
Corrupt people walk a thorny, treacherous road;
whoever values life will avoid it.
(Proverbs 22:1–5 NLT)

Let’s consider some key questions. Why would people live hidden lives that are completely at odds with who others think they are? Why would they desperately try to get away with it? Why is it that so many leaders in every sphere (education, business, government, the church, medicine, sports, entertainment, etc.) fall into the pattern of success followed by moral failure and catastrophic fallout, followed by years of denial, blame, and little repair? Can we choose integrity? Is it possible to attain, let alone preserve?

So many of these leaders causing wounds and pain are professed followers of Jesus and sit in positions of authority as lead pastors, elders, and c-suite executives. They are likely respected and unaware of how they are affecting others. A leader divided cannot stand, and we have continually found those words to be true. The wounds and pain can come quickly, but the healing does not.